Dawn Richard Featured In Regard Magazine

Dawn Richard has her ‘Armor On’ as she takes on the industry once again, but this time as a solo artist. And she’s one of those artists that you just want to see win. Through everything, she’s still pushing.

The fly chick is featured in this month’s Regard Magazine in a 10 page fashion spread while dishing on what she’s taken away from being a part of two groups, before venturing out to do her own thing. She also dishes on what her fans can expect from her new project, the ‘Heart Trilogy,’ and why it was so important to label the first release, ‘Armor On’.

On drawbacks she encountered when Danity Kane disbanded
There were no drawbacks. I didn’t allow them. When one chapter closes, you have to start a new one. For me, if you allow yourself to think there are drawbacks then there will be some. I decided that I would just go harder and find a way to stay dancing inside the music.

On what she enjoyed most about working with Diddy & Dirty Money
I enjoyed the freedom to dream sonically and lyrically. It was less “boxed,” more “innovative” and that was the place where I dwelled. So, I was in my element. The edge. The rawness. The sound we created became a platform for others. Whether they admit it or not, we broke boundaries with that album.

On what inspired her to take her music in a different direction for her solo project
It isn’t a different direction. It’s a continued one. I’ve just progressed the sound I already had. I think every album, every experience you have to grow. Each time I came out, whether in a group or solo, I’ve tried to best whatever I’ve already put out. It shows growth, strategy, and creativity. Why would you ask a person to buy and believe in a brand that never works to be better? I want to challenge people to grow with me. I like pushing the limits. For this project, I chose to be me. And that in itself, is taking things in a different direction.

On the message behind her latest EP, ‘Armor On’
Daphne Guinness said it best, “I went out in the world and realized that actually it wasn’t such a very friendly place to be.” And I thought… We Need Armor… this is the inspiration behind the entire “Heart Trilogy.” The EP “Armor On,” is the story of why I needed Armor to begin with. My relationship with the industry. Each song is a chapter. I wanted the EP and the albums to be like a musical graphic novel. So the lyrics play a huge role in the music. The words create vivid pictures of battles with love, self, music, and the industry. I wanted the “hearts,” (that’s what I call my fans/supporters) to relate each song the way they wanted to. I wanted to create layers so each person could dissect the story in a different way. “Is this about God, a lover, the industry, her label, her love life, etc…” These are the questions I want to leave people asking.

First, I want to say I LIKE Dawn! I really want to see her succeed. But she reminds me of Lala, like something is just off about them, like dead in the eyes. There’s no fire, no spark! Nothing that draws you to them.

+3 ♥ Hoodies Reply:April 20th, 2012 at 3:24 pm

umm..I dont get that lala vibe at all..They dont even look the same? idk..maybe because shes not a hot mess is whats throwing you off. Shes just normal..shes that “stay down the street” girl, that we all know can sing..and now shes putting herself out there. I think the magazine is a good look..The photos are awesome..keep reaching Dawn..you’re getting there mama!

I didn’t say they look alike. And who needs to look a hot mess? She’s been putting herself out there for YEARS and hasn’t made it. Like I said, I LIKE her, I think she’s a great singer. But most tarts are more than their actual talent, they have the “X Factor”. That glow. That spark. And she doesn’t have that.

+1 ♥ Hoodies Reply:April 21st, 2012 at 1:32 pm

years? umm nah..she just recently got out of her contract with Diddy, and is now doing the solo thing. either or..regardless of which, theres alot of people who do feel as if she has the it factor..which is why shes still around. People said the same thing about GaGa when she first came out, and we all know how that went…or better yet…Nicki Minaj..pink wigs, fake butt…and again we see what happened there..Dawn is relatable..humble..and talented..and its taking her places. So shes not moving at a pace fast enough for you..so what..I’d rather see her get to top by driving safely, vs crash and burn.

♥ Hoodies Reply:April 21st, 2012 at 1:32 pm

years? umm nah..she just recently got out of her contract with Diddy, and is now doing the solo thing. either or..regardless of which, theres alot of people who do feel as if she has the it factor..which is why shes still around. People said the same thing about GaGa when she first came out, and we all know how that went…or better yet…Nicki Minaj..pink wigs, fake butt…and again we see what happened there..Dawn is relatable..humble..and talented..and its taking her places. So shes not moving at a pace fast enough for you..so what..I’d rather see her get to top by driving safely, vs crash and burn.

-1 Sallymay Reply:April 20th, 2012 at 4:41 pm

Ever head a saying “dead in the eyes”. This just covers that something missing thing with Dawn there is no spark no connect in the eye.

+2 ♥ Hoodies Reply:April 20th, 2012 at 10:18 pm

shes totally being playful with her eyes! like come on!

+3 enticing Reply:April 20th, 2012 at 10:02 am

it’s ironic cus aubrey was picked first. i liked her though, she spoke up for herself! her looks just changed overtime -_-

I really love her EP. “Faith” “Black Lipstick”, “Scripture” “Automatic” “Change” and “Heaven” are serious tracks and how often can you name 3 tracks or more you love from one album let alone an EP. Had Kelly Rowland had a bit more character and dropped this material as her album instead of that trash she put out?!

*tosses hat in the ring of AGREED*… I saw a post on here about her a few weeks ago,and the majority of folk’ raved about her EP. I am SO GLAD I downloaded it, because it is beyond the TRUTH! I could tell in Danity Kane that she was hungry, but honey child served it all in this EP! She definitely has picked up another fan! #TeamDAWN

I’m hoping she gets the breakthrough she deserves, she needs to get that live performance up to stellar then she could really take off. There’s just something missing but bit by bit its slowly coming together.

I must say, I went to see her live in Atlanta with PJ Morton and she was AMAZING. She danced, sang everything live and really gave a show in 30 minutes. And the EP is EVERYTHING… She’s just different without putting an effort into it.

I really like her, she can really sing unlike some of the people that are out. It’s just harder for dark skin women that are in the bizz. SMH Look at Kelly, she is great really can sing, sales here in the USA suck. SMH

Honey calm your ass down.All I was saying is that she physically reminds me of Whitney Houston in somet of these pictures.It may be the short wig or the structure of her face or how tall and thin she is but she reminds me of her. You just needed to get angry about something.

Why do they keep feeding us this chick? Why do they keep shoving her down our throats? They keep trying to give her a career or make her some kind of star. She needs to go back to school and get a job somewhere out of the limelight. Please. Thank you.

This EP was amazing, lyrically, conceptually and the quality of the production was superior to some major SIGNED acts. Dawn needs to kiss the ground Drew walks on, because he really has got her to a great place. She has so much talent and vision but she’s never had the right people around her to believe in or propel her in the right direction till now.

Had this post been prior to the EP and recent interviews (Power radio) she’d probably be getting so many unwarranted and negative comments, its great to see people are starting to see her light. I wish her major success and even more confidence and positive attention to come.

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